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Back in the year 2006, I made a trip to the Australian capital for an interview at a medical college. I figured to arrange a place to stay when I arrived, yet upon reaching the city, a major event was in town and all the budget hostels and affordable lodging had no vacancies.

Coming from Singapore, I thought maybe I could just sleep at the terminal – but quickly found that airport, unlike Singapore’s, does not operate around the clock. With no idea what my next move should be and getting a bit desperate, I hopped on a city-bound bus and began walking towards the casino, thinking I might spend the night in an establishment operating through the night. This was not ideal in the best shape to succeed at an interview the next morning, yet, as a student on a tight budget, luxury accommodation was impossible.

We could all use more folks who show such kindness.

Apparently, I appeared confused since a young woman spotted me walking aimlessly through the city center and asked whether I needed help. I shared the story of my accommodation crisis and immediately she offered I could crash on the floor of her dormitory at the local university – an ideal turn of events, given that my the important interview was the following day. Generously, she also provided a meal: one sandwiches she had from her part-time job. This gave me a hot shower and a protected spot to rest to sleep.

In retrospect, I can appreciate the significant risk she undertook as a young woman letting a man she’d just met sleep on her floor. In those days I existed within my own unawareness and was oblivious to the potential danger. Today, as a parent, I am astonished she took that chance – but still deeply appreciative.

I never did attending ANU, and I lost touch with the student afterwards, yet her memory has stayed with me her selfless deed of kindness. It is my wish life has rewarded her act of kindness tenfold. Our society requires more individuals with such compassion.